Undergraduate Research

What is undergraduate research?

Undergraduate research is the convergence of classroom learning and real-life research skills designed to give students the experience of examining something from a different perspective.  In 2006, the Elon Undergraduate Research Program Advisory Committee created a definition that aimed to summarize undergraduate research:

“Undergraduate Research & Creative Endeavors includes activities undertaken by an undergraduate student with significant faculty mentoring that: (1) lead to new scholarly insights and/or the creation of new works; (2) add to the discipline; and (3) involve critical analysis of the process and/or outcome of the activities.  Quality undergraduate research and creative activity result in a product that has potential for peer-reviewed dissemination in the form of presentations, publications, exhibitions, or performances.”

Students can conduct undergraduate research within any discipline, provided they are able to find a faculty mentor.

What are eligibility requirements?

• Sophomore, junior or senior standing
• Minimum 2.5 GPA
• Completion of departmental prerequisites
• Approval of faculty mentor, academic advisor and department chair

How do I find a faculty mentor?

Students are first encouraged to seek out professors who may share similar research interests.  The department chair of your major department or your academic advisor can also be resources that may help you find a research opportunity.  Additionally, the undergraduate research program director may help students identify suitable mentors.

When can I conduct undergraduate research?

Undergraduate research can be conducted during any academic semester, including summer sessions and winter term.

What is the process?

• Find a professor who will serve as your faculty mentor OR meet with your academic advisor or department chair to find a research opportunity.
• Meet with your faculty mentor to discuss details of research, credit hours and grading system.
• Gain approval for your research by submitting a 499 registration in person to the Registrar’s Office in Alamance 104. Applications can be found online and must be submitted within two weeks after the start of the semester.
• Once research is approved, begin the research process with your faculty mentor.
• Students are given the opportunity to present their research at Elon’s SURF Day (Student Undergraduate Research Forum), held in the spring of each academic year, as well as at other off campus conferences.

How does course credit work?

Undergraduate research projects can have varying levels of intensity and require different amounts of time.  Students may choose to receive credit for 1-4 credit hours each semester.  The amount of credit chosen should reflect how many hours a week the student will spend on undergraduate research.  As a general rule, 1 credit hour = 2-4 hours of work per week. Students may count up to 8 credit hours of research towards graduation.  Consult your department chair to learn how 499 can be used within your major.

Where can I find more information?

Visit the Undergraduate Research Web site or stop by the Undergraduate Research Program Office in Alamance 216-B.